Photographic apparatus



Oct, 22, 1935. w. D. FO-STER ETAL 2,017,355

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS Original Filed April 28, 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 A TTORNEY octfzza, 1935.

W. D. FOSTER ET AL PHOTOGRAPHIG APPARATUS Original Filed April 28, 1926 s Shets-Sheet 2 A TTORNE Y 6 .5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Oct 1935- w. D. FOSTER ET AL I PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS Original Filed April 28, 192

Oct. 22, 1935. w. D. FOSTER El AL 2,017,855,

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS Original Filed April 1926 s Sheets-Sheet 4 m? /03 /06 0 I I a A TTORNEY Oct. 22, 1935; w. D. FOSTER ET AL PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS Opiginal Filed April 28, 1926 S ShGets-Sheet 5 L PHI? ELEE.

ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 22, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,017,855 7 PHOTOGBAPHIC APPARATUS Warren Dunham Foster, Washington Township, Bergen County, N. J., and Earle L. Pal-melee.

Griginal application April 28, 1926, Serial No.

105,159. Divided and this application January l8, 1932, Serial No. 587,392

40Claims. (Cl. 88-17) This application is a division of our co-pending application, Serial Number 105,159, filed April 28, 1926.

The present invention relates particularly to the art' of photographic apparatus, the term photographic herein being used generically as definitive not only of apparatus frequently desig noted as cameras or by a similar name, but

also of apparatus usually generically referred to id as motion picture projecting apparatus as well as to stereopticon apparatus. The invention has special utility, however, with respect to the projectlon of pictures in motion, such as required for amusement either in the theatre or in the home, or for educational or advertising purposes.

The utility of the invention is, however, not

limited in this respect, it being equally well adapted for general use by either skilled or unskilled operators for the projection of: pictures either in motion or as so-called still pictures, and for use with films bearing thereupon images representing sound, either alone or combined with pictures.

At the present time, considerable attention is being devoted to the construction of apparatus as capable of being utilized for the repetitious display of motion pictures from a strip of film. By

reason, however, of the fragile character of the film which must be used, and the difliculties of effecting reversal of its direction of travel, or rewinding of an exposed length, such apparatus has heretofore required ot only a great deal of operating attention, but a so frequent renewal of films or repair thereof. Our invention is particularly adapted for use in apparatus of the foregoing type and also for apparatus, for use in the home or otherwise, in which the motion picture is projected and then automatically rewound in readiness for the next showing, which may take place immediately or at some future time.

Efforts have also been made to effect continuous film travel in the same direction by securing the ends of the film together and providing some means for attempting adequately to take care of o .the main body of the fihn while the remaining comparatively short portion of the film has been passing through the gate. Considerable difficulty has, however, been experienced in this typeof apparatus and its use has been necessarily limited. I

In the copending application of Warren Dunham Foster, Serial No. 57,392, filed September 19, 1925, there is disclosed and claimed an improved form of apparatus of the general nature adaptable for example, in accordance with the present invention. In that application, the operation ol the apparatus with relation to the direction of movement of the the speed of movement of the film, or the character of movement of the film is controlled automatically by the film itself, preferably through the agency of electrically operated devices having circuits energized or do energized by the itself during the travel thereof. Apparatus oi such character has been found to be extremely desirable, due to the rapidity of control which may be obtained and the to efiectiveness of such control. in many cases, however, it may be desirable or necessary, due either to the particular construction of the ap= 'paratus being utilized, the construction or nature of the film or for other reasons,to provide means is for controlling the him, as already set forth, without the necessity of providing it with special attachments, notches or specially constructed portions for the purpose of efiectmg any desired electrical operation directly. so

In our parent application we describe and claim means for controlling by the character and intensity of light transmitted by the film itself, the movement of the film and actuation of all of the operable elements of the film handling apparatus 25 associated with the movement of the film. in our co-pending application, Serial Number 587,393 filed concurrently herewith likewise a continuation in part of our said parent application, we describe and claim means for the exer- 30 else of such actuation and control by the tension of the film itself of all such operable elements excepting those directly connected with the gate. In the present divisional application, we describe method and means for the exercise of such actuation and contijol by the tension of the film itself of the operable elements associated with and including the gate.

A major object of the present invention is to provide method and mechanism whereby the 40 gate and the parts associated therewith are automatically controlled by the tension of the film, such associated parts including the shoe, which pressesthe film against the feeding member, the means'for stripping the film from the 45 teeth of the feeding member and for rendering such teeth inaccessible by the film, and the oper able guiding members associated with the gate. By the provision of such mechanism, the gate can be opened automatically at the desired time 50 when all of the film has been projected, either for rewindlng a film or inserting another film, and can be closed automatically after the film has been automatically re-threaded after rewinding. Also when a defective sprocket hole or a poor path, for example, arrests the feeding of the film, the gate is automatically opened and injury to the film is often prevented, it being understood that the film feed can be stopped simultaneously with the opening of the gate by mechanism described in our above noted copending application.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means automatically operable for opening the'gate, which means are actuable by the tension of the film and are also operable at will regardless of the tension of the film. Such means can thus be advantageously employed for opening the gate for the film threading purposes.

A further object of our invention is to provide a mechanism which can be operated either electrio-ally or manually for opening and closing the gate at will, and which can also be actuated by the film tension for opening the gate and thereafter be actuated by the film tension for closing the gate. Such construction permits the gate to be opened and closed by the operator before and after threading the film, and then provides for opening and closing of the gate automatically during repeated showings of the same film. It will be understood that our invention can also be advantageously applied to apparatus which automatically rewinds the film after one showing, and then stops automatically, allowing the operator to insert another film.

Still another object of the invention is to provide film controlled means for rendering the intermittent film feeding member usually associated with the gate structure inaccessible by the film, especially when the gate is opened for film threading purposes, for rewinding, or following improper feeding. By the provision of such means it is possible to provide a channel for the film through the gate which is clear of any projecting obstructions such as the sprocket teeth on which the film would otherwise catch and hang.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for bodily removing the film from the teeth of the feeding member preparatory to rewinding, rethreading, or when the tension of the film exceeds a predetermined point or when the film breaks, and to provide means for rendering the teeth of the feeding member inaccessible by the film during rewinding, threading, or following an emergency in film feeding. As shown, these two means are preferably combined in a single element, but this combination while highly desirable, is not essential.

Another object of the invention is to provide film control means for operating guiding mem-- bers associated with the gate, one of such guiding members preferably being brought into a guiding relation to each end of the gate for film threading and film rewinding purposes.

Another object of the invention is to provide film controlled means operated concomitantly with the gate closing means for moving the film to a position wherein it may be operatively engaged by the rotatable intermittent feeding member associated with the gate. The provision of such means insures that after the closing of the gate the film can be fed in the usual way without further attention by the operator.

Further objects and advantageous features of the invention will appear as the description proceeds. It is understood that we are showing merely one preferred embodiment of our invention for purposes of illustration only.

Figure 1 is a right side elevation of the machine, certain parts being broken away;

Figure 2 is a partial right side elevation broken away to more clearly show portions of the gate in film threading position;

Figure 3 is a partial left side elevation broken away to better illustrate certain film feeding parts which cooperate with the film to actuate the gate control mechanism;

Figure 4 is a cross section along the line 6-4 of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 5 is a partial cross sectional view looking forwardly away from the lamp house, showing the right side only to illustrate a portion of the gate;

Figure 6 is a partial bottom plan view showing actuating levers in still projection position;

Figure 7 is a partial bottom plan view showing actuating levers in a film threading or changing position;

Figure 8 is a view largely diagrammatic which illustrates a portion of the electric circuit of the gate control mechanism.

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view illustrating how the solenoid 2 may be controlled independently of the solenoids I68 and I69.

In carrying out the present invention there may be provided an apparatus comprising a supporting base B having mounted thereon a lamp and resistance containing housing H and a supporting frame F upon which are mounted the operating parts of the film feeding and controlling mechanism per se.

Preferably carried by the frame F and projecting laterally from one side thereof in predetermined spaced relationship is a pair of reel receiving spindles 2 and 3, the upper spindle 2 being adapted for the holding of a reel of film during the feeding movement thereof and adapted to effect rewinding of the'film at the conclusion of the feeding movement, while the lower spindle 3 is adapted to be positively driven simultaneously with the feeding movement for coiling or taking up the film as required. The ends of the film may be attached to the spindles in any suitable way.

The film itself is preferably carried in a combined storage and exhibiting protectorcomprising a pair of containers 4 and 5 having a pivotal connection 6 whereby the containers may be relatively separated to a predetermined extent to expose the desired length of film therebetween. This construction may be substantially as disclosed and claimed in the United States Patent No. 1,440,173, granted December 26, 1922, to Herbert George Ponting and George William Ford, or may be of any other desired construction.

The lower spindle 3, which will hereafter be referred to as the driving spindle, is journaled for rotation in a suitable bearing 1 in the frame F. The back of the frame is formed with an enlarged base Ia through which the spindle extends, and beyond the boss there is secured to the spindle a combined brake drum 8 and friction driving member 9. The driving member 9 has a friction surface ID with which is adapted to cooperate a second friction member II in the form of a disk. The disk H and the driving member 9 are preferably held in frictional engagement by means of springs l2 carried by the member 9 and bearing against the disk ll through the medium of an annulus I3, the springs being held under the desired tension and the annulus being maintained in position by adjusting screws l4.

Projecting rearwardly from the disk II is a driving lug l5 adapted to be engaged by a clutch hereinafter described in detail by means of which the driving spindle 3 may be frictionally rotated.

Projecting upwardly from the base B in spaced relation to the frame F is a bearing bracket |6 carrying a bearing H for a shaft l8 extending in alignment with the driving spindle 3. Secured in any desired manner to the shaft l8 for rotation therewith is a'worm wheel l9 adapted to be driven by a worm 26 secured to a horizontally positioned driving shaft 2| located in the rear of the frame F. This shaft at its forward end is mounted in spaced bearings 22 carriedby the bracket l6 and is connected to a driving motor M through a flexible coupling 23 of any desired or usual construction. By reason of this mechanism, it will be apparent that when the motor M is operated the shaft ill will be positively driven through the worm and wheel before referred to. For transmitting this rotational movement from the shaft I8 to the spindle 3 at will there is provided a sleeve 24 secured in any desired manner to the inner end of the shaft l8 and having slidably mounted thereon a collar 25 from which project pins 26 slidable through the enlarged end 21 of the sleeve 24. By moving the collar 25 to the right as viewed in Figure 4, the pins 26 are projected into the path of travel of the driving lug |5 whereby a drive is positively transmitted to the driving spindle. This clutch will hereinafter be referred to as the driving spindle clutch. In case it is desired to render this clutch more quickly operative, other clutch devices of well known construction may be provided in place of the driving lug I 5 and the pins 26.

The spindle 2, which will hereinafter be designated the rewinding spindle, is mounted similarly to the driving spindle 3 in a bearing 28 carried by the frame F, and has secured to its rear end a brake drum 29 from which projects a pin or lug 30. Extending in alignment with the rewinding spindle 2 is a. shaft 3| suitably journaled in a bearing 32 carried by a bracket 33 illustrated as secured to the frame F. Mounted on the inner end of the shaft 3| is a sleeve 34 having an enlarged end 34' through which project pins 35 carried by a collar 36 and constituting a rewinding clutch similar inconstruction and operation to the construction of the driving spindle clutch. Upon movement of the collar 36 to the right as viewed in Figure 4, the pins 35 will be brought into the path of travel of the pin or lug 36 whereby the rewinding spindle 2 may be operated for effecting a rewinding of a previously displayed length of film.

For driving the shaft' 3|, it may conveniently have secured thereto a pulley 31in line with v a similar pulley 38 mounted on the outer end of a stub shaft 39 secured in the bracket |6. Also mounted on the shaft 39 is a spur gear 40 adapted to be driven by a similar, but preferably larger gear 4| 'on the outer end oil-the shaft l8. By

. passing a suitable belt around the pulleys 31 and 38 it will be apparent that'the shafts, l8 and 3| may be simultaneously rotated by the motor M,

the shaft 3| preferably rotating at a higher speed than the shaft l8, and that rotative movement in turn may be imparted by either .of these shafts to the respective spindles with which they are in alignment by suitable operation of the controlling clutches.

Mounted on the frame F adjacent the motor .M and preferably on the front side of the frame Cooperating with the section 42 is a relatively movable section 46 preferably guided by a pin 4'! projecting outwardly from the section 42, and secured to one end of a gate opening rod 48 slidable through a suitable opening in the gate section 42 and a suitable bearing 49 on the frame F. By reason of this construction, it will be apparent that when the rod 48 is moved to the left as viewed in Figure 1, it will be effective for moving the section 46 away from'the section 42 to permit the removal of a film and the insertion of a new film, while movement in the opposite direction will bring the sections into cooperative relationship. As will be observed by an inspection of Figure 2 a conventional spring pressed presser member is provided.

For effecting the desired intermittent feeding motion of a film in position in the gate, there may be provided a rotatable feeding sprocket 50 having film engaging teeth 5| positioned to engage apertures positioned in the film in any desired manner. This sprocket is mounted on a shaft 53 extending transversely through the frame F and carrying at its opposite end a star wheel 54. This star wheel, which may be of any 35 well known construction, is adapted to be intermittently driven by means of a cam 55 secured adjacent one end of a shutter shaft 56 journaled at one end in a grease casing C within which are mounted the cam 55 and star wheel 54, and at 40 its opposite end journaled in a suitable bearing 51 carried by a bracket 58 projecting rearwardly from the frame F. n I

Mounted loosely on the shaft 56 adjacent the opposite end thereof is a pulley 59 having a frictionally faced member 68 adapted tobe rendered operative at will by a clutch collar 62 having a frictionally faced member 6| engaging said member 6|]. The clutch collar is normally urged in such direction as to be in frictional driving 50 engagement with the pulley 59 by means of a spring 63 abutting at one end against the bottom of a spring receiving recess formed in the collar and at the other end against a shoulder 64 on a spring sleeve 66 secured in any desired manner to the shaft 56 for rotation therewith. Secured to the shaft 56 outside of the pulley 59 is a hub 61 carrying a shutter 68 for op:ration as well understood in the art. The hub 61 and the shoulder 64 take all of the thrust exerted by the spring 63 whereby the shaft 56 as a whole is relieved from any end thrust.

Secured to the end of the driving shaft 2|, and preferably substantially in line with the pulley 59 is a pulley 69 around which may pass a belt 10 for driving the pulley 59 from the drive shaft. By reason of this construction; it will be apparent that with the friction surfaces 60 and 6| in engagement rotation will be imparted to the shutter shaft 56 from the driving shaft 2|, 7 this rotation being effective not only for operating the shutter but also for obtaining the desired intermittent operation of the film feeding sprocket.

Cooperating with the sprocket 56 and normally 71-5- occupy ng the position illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings, is a stripping. and protecting shield H carried by the inner end of a pin 12 supported in a suitable manner by a bearing 18.

constituting part of the fixed gate section 82. Also secured to the shaft I2 is a pinion 14 with which meshes an arcuate rack 15 having a pivotal mounting l8 and operated simultaneously with the operation of the gate rod 88 by means of a pin 'll projecting outwardly from the gate opening rod and engaging a slot 18 in the extension I8 of the arcuate rack. with the construction just described, movement of the gate opening rod to the left as viewed in Figure 1 for the purpose of opening the relatively separable gate sections, will effect rotation of the rack in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in this figure, thereby rotating the shield in a clockwise direction. This rotational movement of the shield will be effective for engaging the film j and stripping the same from the sprocket preparatory to the removal of the film from the apparatus. It will remain in this position covering certain of the teeth of the sprocket during the application of a new film or during rewinding, whereby the threading operation of the film is greatly expedited or the film protected during rewinding and during removal from the apparatus.

For further assisting the threading movement, the relatively fixed gate section 82 is provided with a projecting guide 88 having a generally curved contour for gradually feeding the fim over the fixed gate section, the guide having a downwardly curved and inclined lower end 8| for insuring passage of the film over the sprocket and an upwardly inclined and curved upper end 82 for the purpose hereinafter more fully set forth. The frame F also has secured thereto a secondary guide member 83 positioned in spaced relation to the guiding member 88 and adapted to extend substantially in alignment with the inner face of the movable gate section when it has been moved to open position, whereby the film is effectively guided into position between these gate sections. The member 88 has a curved lower end 84 having a function corresponding to that of the curved end 82 of the guide member 88, and described in detail hereinafter. Projecting downwardly from the lower end of the movable gate section is a pair of spaced guide fingers 85 curved to generally conform to the curvature of the sprocket 58, the space between these fingers being sufficient to acommodate the teeth 8| of the sprocket.

These guides cooperate in a manner, as will be readily apparent from the drawings, to permit a film to be positioned between the gate members by merely moving the same laterally relative to its normal direction of travel through the gate.

This greatly lessens the time required for threading a new film into position, and enables the operation to be performed satisfactorily by an unskilled operator.

It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that our invention may be employed with any type of conventional film handling apparatus, inciudingparticularly that in which compensation for the difference between the character of movement of the mass of film upon the delivery and take-up spindles and that of the section thereof at the aperture is provided by the usual unsupported loops of slack film. We prefer, however, to make use of the tension control system of feeding which is described and claimed in the copending application of Charles Ulysses Bundick and Barton Allen Proctor, Serial No. 44,482, filed July 18, 1925, which application is owned by the same assignee as is the present application. By so doing we entirely obviate the necessity of manually producing slack or loops as heretofore 5 provided and at the same time employ the mechanism by which such result is accomplished for carrying out a very important part of the control operation. It will be readily understood, however, that this joint use of a portion of the mechl0 anism of the Bundick and Proctor system of film feeding for its feeding and compensating purpose and likewise for completing the necessary control circuit, as is later described in detail, is merely a matter of convenience and, if desired, separate 15 elements may be used.

The tension control system of feeding preferably includes film tensioning and auxiliary feeding means automatically operated by the film. It may include a braking surface 88, attached to the tension arm 88 by means of the member 86, preferably resilient, and adapted to cooperate with the braking drum 28 revoluble with the spindle 2. The tension arm 88 is pivoted upon a pin 88 and terminates to the right as viewed 28 in Figure 3 in a film engaging member or film guide 88, which extends through the opening 8| in the main frame F and into the track of the film. Similarly the braking shoe 81, which is adapted for cooperation with the braking sur- 80 face 8 revoluble with the take-up spindle 2 is attached by means of the member 81', preferably resilient, to the curved lever 82 secured to a plate 88 loosely surrounding the boss la on the frame F whereby the plate as a unit may be 5 rotated about the boss, such lever terminating in the film engaging member or film guide 84 which extends through the opening in the frame F and into the film track. During the feeding of a film through the apparatus all of the parts 40 occupy the position illustrated in Figure 1 while during the threading of a film into position or the removal of a film from the apparatus, the parts occupy the position illustrated in Figure 2. In this latter position it will be noted that the 45 guide 84 occupies such a position with respect to the curved end 88 of the guide member 88 as to insure the passage of a film around the guide 84 automatically upon lateral movement of the film, while the guide 88 occupies such a position 5 with respect to the inclined curved upper end 82 of the guide member 88 as to insure passage of a film over and around the guide 88 by the operation referred to.

As power isapplied to the sprocket 58, the 55 sprocket revolves and the film is pulled from the spindle 2, the arm 88 is depressed and energy is stored in the spring 86. While the sprocket 58 is at rest, the spring 88 acts on the arm 88 to cause an amount of the film to be pulled from 60 the spindle 2. The magnitude of the flat spring 88 may be so determined that it will assist in the above described auxiliary feeding operation. Upon the next rotation of the sprocket 58, the film is again fed forwardly, the portion neces- 5 sary to compensate for the displacement caused thereby being the length of film previously pulled from the spindle 2'and such as at that moment is pulled from the spindle 2. This movement of the film I again moves the arm 88 to store power 78 in the spring 88 which is used during the next period of rest or the sprocket 58 to pull more film from the sprocket 2, and the foregoing cycle is repeated throughout the entire period of operation.- 7

In addition to the operation above described,

the lever 88 and its associated parts perform a braking function. The lever 88 is normally swung in such direction as to bring the brake 88 into contact with the drum 29 by means of the spring 96. Due to the action of this spring, the brake 86 tends to prevent too free rotation of the rewinding shaft and thereby prevents the tension on the film becoming less than that required for proper feeding. In the event, however, of a tendency toward too great tension, the tension on the film causes the lever 88 to move in opposition to the action of the spring 96, thereby relieving the braking action of the brake B6 to a corresponding extent and reestablishing the predetermined tension on the film.

The operation of the arm 92, the film pad 94, the take-up spindle 3 and the sprocket 50 is analagous to that of the elements between the sprocket 50 and the supply spindle 2 above described. As the sprocket 50 revolves, a portion of the film is moved forward. The resilient end of the spring arm 81' aided if, desired by the pad 94, holds the film constantly under tension. The spindle 3, yieldingly but continuously driven, pulls the film onward'and coils it up. This operation tends to move the arm 82 against the pressure of the spring 81. Thus, there is stored an amount of energy which is sufficient to move the film away from the sprocket and to maintain the tension upon the film f during the next period of rest of the sprocket 50, a direct pull upon the perforations of the film seated upon the teeth 55 of the sprocket is preventedby the -cushioning effect of the spring 81 oifsetting the friction al drive of the spindle 3.

In addition to the auxiliary feeding operation above described, the arm 81' with its associated parts performs a braking function.

The lower brake 81, is normally so positioned as to exert little braking action on the drum 8. In the event, however of a. tendency toward undue tension on the film between the feeding sprocket 5t and the reel carried by the driving spindle 3, the film will be effective to swing the lever92 in such direction about its pivotal mounting 92 on the plate 93 as to bring the brake 8! into more effective braking engagement with the drum 8. Due to the fact that the spindle 3 is driven from the motor through afriction drive, such braking action will be eifective for decreasing the driving force on the spindle 3, and consequently will relieve the tension on the film and produce the'desired operating conditions between the sprocket and the lower reel.

The braking operation above described is of great usefulness where abnormal conditions of feeding arise, such for example as the binding of a shaft from any'cause, or lack of lubrication, or the intrusion of a piece-of grit, or a poor patch getting caught in the gate, or sudden acceleration or deceleration of the intermittent sprocket 50 owing to a sudden change in the voltage applied to the motor M or other temporary aberration characteristic of feeding. Applicants have been able successfully to feed film without the use of the braking means in addition to the primary tension controlling means but they prefer to use both means.

In the manner described required tension on the film to insure proper feeding is automatically secured by the mere threading of the film into position, and is automatically maintained by the operation of the tension or braking mechanism.

While the present apparatus is not necessarily limited to any particular field of use, it is primarily intended either for use in advertising for the successive showing of a length of film or use by persons who may be unskilled inthreading the film through the gate. With this dual purpose in view, it is desirable not only to provide for automatic control, but also to simplify the control of the gate to as great an extent as possible not only for the purpose of rendering the operation easier, but for the purpose of making 10 such operation foolproof. For this purpose there is preferably provided a single control member in the form of a knob or button IOI projecting upwardly through an arcuate slot I02 in the supporting base B. This slot may be so shaped as to provide four operating stations designated, re-

spectively, SI, S2, S3 and S4. The button IN is adapted to be moved at will either manually so as to occupy any one of these stations, or automatically so as to occupy any of stations SI, S2 and S4. With this button at the station SI, the respective parts of the apparatus are in such position as to insure the normal projection of pictures as usual motion pictures. With the control button at station S2, there is obtained a so-called still or sterecpticon projection, the movement of the button from the station SI :to the station S2 being effective for disengaging the respective driving mechanisms which are in operationduring the projection of pictures in motion. With the button in position at station S3, the respective parts of the apparatus are in such position as to permit the positioning of a film therein or the removal of a film which has just been fed therethrough. It will be understood that the movement of the button from station S2 to station S3 automatically produces the required change in the operating position of the parts. With the button in position at station S4, the respective parts of the apparatus are in such po-- 40 sition as to permit rewinding of the film by means of the motor 'M. The movement .01 the button from station S3 to station S I automatically produces the required change in operating conditions necessary for such rewinding. This provision of 45 a single control member movable only in a predetermined manner and automatically effective upon movement for producing all of the necessary changesin operating conditions constitutes an important feature of the present invention, as 50 it renders the control and operation of the apparatus extremely simple and substantially foolproof.

The control mechanism actuated either manually by the control knob or automatically as here- 55 inafter set forth in detail, is to a large extent shown in Figures 6 and '7 and diagrammatically in Figure 8, which illustrate the change in the position of the parts of the control mechanism by movement of the control button to the sta- 60 tions S2 and S3, and the circuits by means of which the desired movements are produced. This mechanism may comprise a lever I03 keyed or otherwise secured to the lower end of a brake release rod I04 having its lower end journaled 05 in any desired manner in the base B and its upper end joumaled in a bearing bracket I05. Being secured to the brake release rod I04 which is capable only of a turning movement about its longitudinal axis, the lever I03 is restricted in its 70 movements to rotation only. Carried by the rotating lever I03 is a combined sliding and rotating lever I06 having adjacent each end a slot I01 through each of which projects a headed pin I I08 by means of which the combined sliding and rotating lever is eifectively mounted on the rotating lever for rotational movement simultaneously therewith and sliding movement independently thereof. At its front end the lever I06 carries an upstanding pin I09 having a head I I provided with an inwardly projecting pin IIO' adapted to engage a bayonet shaped slot III in the pin I09. By reason of this construction it will be apparent that the button may be moved verticallyon the pin I09 by a rotative movement thereof so that it may either occupy an upper or a lower position on the pin. At its lower end the button has a collar II3 of a diameter to substantially conform to the contour of the slot I02 at the respective operating stations, whereby with the button in its lower position accidental movement from one of these stations is prevented, while with the button in its upper position the parts are free for automatic operation independently of any operator.

At a point intermediate its ends the combined rotating and sliding lever I06 is provided with a transversely extending recess II4 adapted to cooperate with a pin II5 projecting from a lever II6 which is secured adjacent one end on a control sleeve II1 surrounding a control rod III, the sleeve and rod extending upwardly through the base B and journaled for rotational movement in bearings II9 carried by the bracket I6 and by an upper bearing I20 carried by a bracket 33. Adjacent its upper end the control sleeve II1 has projecting therefrom forked operating arms I2I carrying projecting pins I22 adapted to normally lie in the groove I23 of the clutch member 62 on the shutter shaft 66. By reason of this construction it will be apparent that upon rotation of the sleeve H1 in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 6, the clutch members 60 and 6| will be disengaged, thereby destroying the driving relationship between the main drive shaft 2| and the shutter shaft 66.

At an intermediate point the control sleeve is also provided with a similar pair of arms I24 having pins I26 normally projecting into the groove I26 of the clutch collar 26. Rotation of the sleeve in a counter-clockwise direction as just described will be eifective through the arms I24 for disengaging the driving spindle clutch to thereby permit the driving spindle to move freely in either direction. Engagement of the driving spindle clutch and the shutter shaft clutch will be eifective for the so-called projection of pictures in motion but this engagement is not required for still or stereoptlcon results. This operation of the sleeve I I1 is obtained by moving the control button from station SI to station S2, by reason of the relative movement imparted to the sleeve due to the sliding action of the lever I06.

Pivotally mounted adjacent the side of the combined sliding and swinging lever structure is a friction and positive detent I21. One end of this detent has connected thereto one end of a tension spring I28, the opposite end of which is secured to a suitable projection on the base B of the apparatus. The spring normally tends to swing the detent in a counterclockwise direction about its pivotal mounting as will be apparent from the drawings. This forces the upper end of the detent into frictional engagement with the sides of the levers I03 and I06, thereby tending to frictionally hold the same in any position to which they may be moved.

It may he assumed that after the single projection of a film, or the repeated projection thereof, it is desired to change the same. or that in starting it may be necessary to move the parts of the apparatus into such position that a film may be threaded into position therein. Under such circumstances, the control button will be moved from station S2 to station S3. This movement will be eii'ective only for rotating the brake release rod I04 and for bringing a recess I31 in the lever I06 into cooperative engagement with a pin I38, projecting upwardly from a lever I39, secured to the lower end of the control rod I I8. The lever I39 is normally held in the position shown in Figures 6 and '7 by a tension spring I40, which may be secured in any desired manner to the base B of the apparatus. In this position, the pin I38 will be received by the slot I31 when the parts are rotated in the manner described. At the commencement of the movement from the station S2 to station S3, the combined swinging and sliding lever structure will be moved away from the detent I21, thereby permitting it to 0 ill swing in a counterclockwise direction under the influence of its tension spring. This movement will be effective for bringing the notched end of the detent into engagement with the projection N6 of the end of the lever I I6, whereby the lever I I6 and its associated parts will be held in the proper position.

The rotation of the brake release rod is effective for opening the gate sections of the gate, for moving the tension arms 86 and 01 and their associated parts to inoperative position and for so actuating the stripper shield H as to effect the desired stripping movement of a film from the sprocket 50 or the shielding of the sprocket to permit the threading of a new film into position. It will be understood that this movement of the tension arms 06 and 31 from projecting to threading position brings the film contacting members 90 and 94 into guiding relation with the gate and with the fixed guiding members carried thereby 40 thus cooperating to define a portion of the path in which the film is initially threaded. These operations are obtained by securing to the upper end of the brake release rod a pin I4I extending into a slot I42 in one arm of a bell-crank lever I43, having a pivotal mounting I44 on the back of the frame F. The opposite arm of the bellcrank lever is in cooperative engagement with one end of a link I45 movable through a slide or guide I46 and having its upper end bent inwardly 50 to extend over the tension arm lever 66. Move ment of the control button from the station S2 to the station S3 will be effective for rotating the brake release rod I04 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 7, thereby rotating the bellcrank lever I43 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 3, and consequently, rotating the tension arm lever 08 about its pivotal mounting 69 in opposition to the spring 96 for moving the tension arm 36 to inoperative position. 50

Movement of the lower tension arm is obtained simultaneously with actuation of the upper tension arm through the medium of a crank lever I41, secured at an intermediate point to the brake release rod. This crank lever has a slot I40 in its free end into which projects a. downwardly extending pin I49 carried by the gate control rod 43. The right hand end of the gate control rod as viewed in Figure 2, is connected by a link I50 with the tension arm lever 92, whereby said ten- 70 sion arm lever and the gate control rod operate in unison. Movement of the brake release rod occasioned by operation of the control button from station S2 to station S3 is effective for rotating the parts 93 and all parts carried thereby in such direction as to lower the film guide 9 in the slot 95 and bring it into such cooperative relation to the guides 86 and 83 as shown in Figure 2, as to facilitate the removal or a film or the positioning of another film. This movement of the gate control rod will also tend to separate the gate sections and will move the shield Ii into stripping and shielding position, as will be obvious.

Claims drawn to the cooperation of the film guides 6i and 9 3 with the gate for guiding pur poses are included in this application. Claims drawn to the control of the tension arms as such will be found in our other co-pending application filed concurrently herewith.

If it is not desired to change a film, as would be the case in advertising for example, or in apparatus in which a film is automatically rewound once only preparatory to the manual insertion of another film, the control button may be moved from station S3 to station St, or may be moved from station S2 to station St without stopping at station S3. This movement will be euective by reason of the engagement between the recess i377 and the pin H38 for rotating the control rod till. lit its upper end, this control rod carries spaced arms ihl, similar to the arms ill and lid previously described, and provided with pins 652, normally lying in the groove H53, in the rewinding clutch collar The rotation or" the control rod Hill, as occasioned by the movement oi the control button from station S3 to station St will be such as to move the rewinding clutch into operative position, whereby the spindle l is con= nected in driving engagement with the shaft ill, this engagement being such that the film. may be rewound by the continued operation of the motor lvi.

During this time, the spring 6 will be held under tension in such manner that should an op erator fail to completely position the -button at the station S4, the spring will be effective for automatically restoring the parts to an inoperative position at station .83.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the operation of a single control button performs in succession the necessary changes in the operating positions of the various parts for permitting any desired condition of operation of the apparatus. Uponmovement of the control button irom station S4 to station S3, the rewinding clutch will bedisengaged and the lever Q39 held in position hy the detent Mt. Upon movement from the station S3 to station S2. the recess Nil will leave the pin I38 and the brake release rod M will be rotated in the opposite direction to that heretoiore described.

During this movementjhe combined swinging and lever structure will come into engagement with the detent iii and swing it in a clockwise direction against the action of its controlling spring to thereby release the projection H6 from the holding action of the detent, and permit the lever M6 and its associated parts to be subse quently moved as required, upon movement oi the control button from station S2 to station Si. Such movement of the button will swing the lever lit in. the opposite direction to that previously described, and thereby eflect re-engagement oi the shutter clutch and oi. the driving spindle clutch.

Reference has heretofore been made to the adaptability of the apparatus to advertising or other purposes wherein repetitious showing of the film is desirable, and wherein for practical rea ,by rotation of the disk will accomplish the same movement of the control mechanism as is efsons, it is not feasible to.have an operator in constant attendance. In such cases, the movement oi the control parts may be automatically obtained merely by moving the control button IIII to its upper position on the pin I09 as before described. When in this position, there will be no holding or looking efiected by the button so that all of the parts are free for automatic operation. Mechanism for this purpose is shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8.

As shown in Figures Band 7, one form of mechanism may comprise a disk I66 having a pivotal or rotative support I6! on the base B. This disk has secured thereto the pin I09, whereiected by movement of the button IIli. Such rotation may be obtained by providing a pinion I62, concentric with the support IBI. Cooperating with this pinion is a rack I63, preferably of rectangular or angular cross section, whereby it may be efiectively held in the desired operating position by means of guides Hi l on the base B. Formed in the disk use is an arcuate slot I into which exmnds a stop pin I66, projecting down- 25 wardly from the base of the apparatus. The length oi the slot is such that it will just permit enough rotation of the disk to move the pin I69 from station St to station St or vice versa, the stop pin positively stopping the disk in desired 30 position at these stations. Accidental movement away from these stations may be prevented by the provision of a comparatively strong tension spring llfil, having one end secured to the disk and the opposite end attached to the base B, the point of 35 attachment to the disk being such that after the disk passes a midpoint between stations SI and St, the spring will be efiective for assisting in completing such movement, the spring being placed under gradually increasing tension until such mid- 40 point is reached.

It will be obvious to those skilled in this art that at this time, the spring I61 will effectively overcome the action of the spring I46, whereby after the button has been moved a'distance far 5 enough to efiect the desired operation of the apparatus, the spring I61 will preventjreturn of the parts to neutral position at station S3.

For producing movement ofthe rack bar I63, it may be constructed either throughout, or may 50 have end portions, of magnetic material adapted to act as cores for the solenoids I68 and I69. As viewed in Figures 6 and 7, it will be obvious that energization of the solenoid I68 will be effective for rotating the disk I66 in a clockwise direction, 55 while energization of the solenoid I69 will effect rotation of the disk in the opposite direction. Thus, the solenoid I68 will be effective for moving the control mechanism from station Si to station St to establish rewinding conditions, while the 60 solenoid I69 will be operative at the conclusion of rewinding to re-establish projecting conditions.

The apparatus oi. the present invention may be advantageously used to show both motion pictures and. still pictures, as for example by a leeturer in connection with his talk. Still pictures may be projected by moving the control mechanisrn to station S2 manually or by the means and method shown in the parent case or by the electrical means of the present case controlled as 70 by the lecturer at a distance from the apparatus. Such electrical means may include'the core 2I3 oi the solenoid 2 M, which core is connected to the upright arm 2% fastened rigidly to the rack I63, as illustrated in Figure 7. The solenoid al when energized, will be effective for moving the disk ISO in a clockwise direction. The dimensioning of the core 2| 3 with respect to the center of the magnetic field of the solenoid 214 is such that the solenoid will only be effective for moving the disk [50 a distance sufficient to bring the pin M9 to station S2, which is the station for still projection. The circuit of the solenoid 2 14 may include conducting elements hereinafter described which may lead from the apparatus to a usual table placed near the above mentioned lecturer. A con ventional switch in the circuit will be normally open and upon closing it the speaker can energize the solenoid 2M and project still pictures whenever he desires. deenergizing the solenoid 214, the spring it! will be effective to return the control mechanism to station SI, which is the station for projecting motion pictures.

It may be desired predeterminedly to time the gate closing and gate opening operations and the operations associated therewith. This may be accomplished by the provision of a suitable timing device herein shown for purposes of illustration only as comprising a dash pot 2m with which co-- operate pistons 202 and 203 carried by a pro jection 204 on the rack I53. The dash pot, which may be of double construction, has a controllable one way acting release 205 for each end thereof whereby the speed of travel of the piston in either direction may be controlled, the length of slot 296 through which the projection 204 extends termining the time at which the dash pot first becomes effective in either direction. This variable timing is of importance, as it provides flexibility for different operating conditions, or films of different characteristics. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the dash pot may be of special construction having a variable speed of movement at different times, whereby it may have a gradually accelerating speed in either direction after a period of relatively slow movement.

The energization of the respective solenoids at predetermined time intervals may obviously be accomplished automatically in a number of different ways. Certain of such ways are described and claimed in the above-mentioned par-- ent application, Serial Number 105,159, filed April 28, 1926, notably the use of light passed through the film, as it is moved through the apparatus, and impinging upon a photo-electrio or other suitable cell and thereby producing electrical variations which are used to actuate all of the operable elements of the apparatus in the desired relations. The present application claims the use of the tension of the him, as it is moved through the apparatus, for con trolling the mechanisms which actuate the gate and other operable elements. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the tension controlled actuating mechanisms claimed in this application may be advantageously combined with the light-controlled actuating mechanisms described and claimed in the parent application. For example, the feeding operation might be stoppedand restarted, for the purpose of showing successive still pictures, by the light controlled means of the parent case and reversal with the gate control may be accomplished by the tension-controlled means claimed herein. For further example, reversal after the feeding operation might be accomplished by the means claimed herein and reversal after the rewinding Upon releasing the switch andoperation by the means shown in the parent case, or vice versa.

lit will readily be understood by those skilled in the art that the control of the operable ele ments of the film handling apparatus by means of electrical circuits which are actuated by the tension of the film makes it possible so to construct the apparatus that much less strain is placed upon the film than would be the case if the control mechanism were to be operated 'directly by the tension of the him instead of through the agency of electrical circuits which can be made and broken by a very slight change in film tension. For certain types of apparatus, however, it is satisfactory to control the operation of the machine directly by mechanical connections operated by him tension and such control is within the scope of our invention.

in Figure 8 there is illustrated means by which the tension of the film be utilized for actuating the control mechanism for actuating the various operable elements of the gate and other cooperating parts of the apparatus. The up per tension arm lid when drawn to its lower most position by the tension of the film, engages the contact ililii as viewed in lfi'igure which contact may be yieldingly mounted on a spring member (not shown), and be connected by a wire 3% to one side of a suitable source of electric current, the opposite side of which source is connected to one terminal of the solenoid Mill. The opposite side of the solenoid is con nected by a wire till to a suitable point on a tension arm For the salre clarity in the drawings, this point is indicated in Figure as being positioned on the right end of the arm Eli, but it will be understood by those slrillcd in electrical circuits that the wire bill may be joined to the arm nearer its pivot, and a suitable insulated conductor member may extend between the end of the wire Chili and the con" tac' .305. Or a conventional switch of suit-- able lrind, operated by the movement of the arm 88, may be employed. L ewise, the illi in-- stead of closing the circuto the solenoid might close a circuit to other means as indicated dis. grammatically at M. By ilar structure to that described above in this paragraph, the solenoid Mid may be connected in a similar electric circuit and be made effective by him tension ior actuating the mechanism which opens the gate, moves the shoe away from the sprocket, moves the stripping shield to protective position while removing the him from the teeth of the sproclo et, and thereafter actuates the rewinding means.

In Figure 8 the parts are shown as when the rewinding of the film has just been completed, and hence the gate is open and the feeding of the film for projection purposes is about to be started and it is desirable to close the gate. The solenoid lBi-i being then energized, will move the control mechanism to the Si position and normal feeding of the film for projection purposes will result.

It can be readily seen that the above described mechanism will function regardless of whether the film is fed over the guide member 90 under tension or not. Should the him not be fed under tension, as when a loop is used, the member 97 will be normally disposed a little farther away from the contact 305, but when the tension in the film is sufhcient the member 91 will be moved against the contact in exactly the same way as described above.

It will be understood that the member 91 on the arm 88; while the film is mov-' ing normally in either direction, will always be held away from the contact 305 by the spring 86. In Figure 9 there is disclosed the solenoid 2 with a circuit having elements 226, 221 and 229 connecting the solenoid with a source of electricity 228. This'circuit 2l5 may be controlled by means including conventional switch parts 223 and 225 diagrammatically shown in Figure 9.

The switch means for controlling solenoid {It may be operated by means such as is described in our parent application or, as is obvious, by manual operation. It can be readily seen by those skilled in the art that the circuit of the solenoid 2 may be extended any desirable distance, such as, for example, from the apparatus to the above mentioned lecturer on a platform distant from the apparatus.

If desired, the tension arm 88 may cooperate with the circuit 301, in Figure 8, which circuit may include electrically operable means the work condition of which it is desired to change when the tension on the film becomes excessive. For

example, the circuit 301' may include a relay N which may control the solenoid 2 or the motor which drives the apparatus in cases where cessation of motor operation under predetermined film tension was desirable. To make use of arm 88 in connection with the circuit 301', as described above, the arm may be disposed in its uppermost position to rest against a contact of the circuit 301', which contact will preferably be yieldingly mounted. 2

Under certain conditions of operation, it may be desirable intermittently to actuate the film at a slower speed than that possible with the motor M, to obtain in effect the projection of a succes= sion of pictures as still or stereopticon pictures. This may be accomplished by the provision of a supplemental driving means for the shutter shaft, and illustrated more particularly in Figure 4. This auxiliary driving mechanism comprises a shaft 3% mounted in hearings on the back of the frame F. At its lower end this shaft carries a bevel gear 322 adapted to mesh with a similar gear on the shutter shaft 56. Normally, these gears are maintained out of engagement by means of a compression spring efiectiveior moving the shaft 3% upwardly. At its upper end this shaft carries a knurled actuating not or knob 32H which may be grasped at will by an operator, thereby enabling him to bring the gear 322 and the gear on the shutter shaft into engagement for the slow rotation of the shutter shaft. At this time it will be understood that the control button will occupy a position at station S2.

Throughout the i'oregoing description, refor once has been made to projecting apparatus. It will beapparent, however, that many portions of the apparatus are inherently capable oi use for regular photographic purposes in the taking oi pictures. Certain of the advantages oi the present in" vention have been pointed out in the foregoing portions of this specification will beclear from the subjoined clainis. Other advantages arise from provision of mechanism under the control oi the tension-oi the film for opening and closing the gate, oper jsaid prime mover, whereby excess tension of as emergency measures in connection with improper feeding or breakage of the film.

We claim: 1. In a film handling apparatus, a film-'-supporting member and a toothed film-feeding mem- 6 her between which a film is fed, means operable for bodilyi removing the film from the teeth of said feeding member, and means engaging that portion of the film between said supporting mem- 20 her and said feeding member and responsive to changes in the tension of the film caused by resistance to the movement thereof for operating said removing means.

3. Ina film handling apparatus, a film-supporting member, a toothed film-feeding member for feeding a film in relation to said film-supporting member, means operable for rendering the teeth of said film-feeding member inaccessible by the film, electric control means for oper ating said means, a normally open electrical circuit which when closed operates said control means, and means responsive to changes in the tension of the film being fed between said film; supporting member, and said film-feeding memher for closing said circuit.

4. In a film handling apparatus, a first means for moving a film, a second and toothed means for moving the film, means for separating the film and the teeth of said second film moving 40 means thereby rendering said second film moving means inoperative to move the film while it is being moved by said first moving means, and means controlled by change in the tension or the film while it is being moved by said first moving means for rendering said separating means in effective thereby rendering said second moving means operative to move the film.

5. In a film handling apparatus having means for normally feeding a him and means ior sub= fleeting the film during such normal feeding oper= ation to the tension required by such normal feeding operation, in combination with a sup porting member, a toothedieeding member for feeding the film in relation to said supporting member, protective means for rendering the teeth of said. feeding member inaccessible by the film, and means for operating said protective said operating means including a prime mover and an'actuating member therefor placed adja= cent a section oi the him between said toothed member and said supporting member and so dis= posed in relation to the him that it does not in crease said tension and is operable by the upon an increase in tension thereof due to re= (i sistance to the movement thereof for actua" film operates said protective means without hav ing itseli subjected'the him to undue tension dor ing the normal feeding operation. to. it. in a handling apparatus, eni= bodied therein film contacting suriaees whereby a film may normally move in an arcuate path of 7 travel, the combination of a hhn supporting idiclii her, a toothed feeding member, said members be== lb ing so disposed that said feeding member moves the film in relation to said supporting member along said arcuate path, a movable control member disposed between the arc of said normal path and the chord thereof and engageable and movable by the film upon the displacement thereof from said normal arcuate path toward the chord thereof, protective means for rendering the teeth of said feeding member inaccessible by the film, means for moving said protective means to protective position, and a connection between said moving means and said control member for operating said moving means upon the movement of said control member whereby upon the displacement of the film from said normal path said protective means is-operated. 7. In a film handling apparatus, having embodied therein film contacting surfaces whereby a film may normally move in an arcuate path oftravel, the combination of a min-supporting member, a toothed feeding member, said members being so disposed that said feeding member moves the film in relation to said supporting member along said arcuate path, a movable con trol member disposed between the arc of said normal path and the chord thereof and engageable and movable by the film upon the displacement thereof from said normal arcuate path toward,

the chord thereof, protective means for rendering the teeth of said feeding member inaccessible by the film, means for moving said protective means from protective position so that the film is engageable by the teeth of said feeding member, means for feeding the film past said feeding mem-- ber while said protective means is in protective position, and a connection between said moving means and said control member for operating said moving means upon the movement of said control member whereby upon the displacement of the film from said normal path said protective means is moved from operative position.

8. In a film handling apparatus, a film supporting member and a toothed feeding member between which a film is fed, a first source of power for operating said toothed feeding member, protective means operable for rendering the teeth of said feeding member inaccessible by the film, a second source of power for operating said protective means, control means for applying said second source of power to operate said protective means, means other than said feeding member for feeding the film while said protective means is disposed in protective position, and means responsive to changes in the tension of the film as it is fed by said last mentioned feeding means for actuating said control means.

9. In a film handling apparatus, a film supporting member and a toothed film feeding member between which a film is fed, protective means movable between one position wherein the teeth of said feeding member are accessible by the film and another position wherein said teeth are inaccessible, means for moving said protective means between said positions, an armature, connections between said moving means and said armature for operating said moving means upon the actuation of said armature, a coil for actuating said armature, a normally open circuit for c said coil, and means responsive to changes in the tension of the film for closing said circuit.

-10. In a film handling apparatus, a film-supporting member, a gate, a toothedmember for feeding a film from said supporting member through said gate, said gate including a fixed member, a member for pressing the film against said fixed member and thereby subjecting it to normal tension, and a stripper member operatively connected with said presser member and associated with said feeding member for removing the film from teeth of said feeding member, 5 upon the movement of said presser member away from said fixed gate member, control means operable for moving said presser member away from said fixed member and hence operating said film removing member, and a member engaging 10 the film between said gate and said supporting member and responsive to the increase in tension of the film for actuating said control means when there is an excess of tension upon said film between said film supporting member and said gate 15 whereby the film is freed from tension and removed from engagement with the teeth of said feeding member.

11. In a film handling apparatus having means ior normally feeding a film means for sub- 20 jecting the film during such. normal feeding operation to the tension required by such normal feeding operation, in combination, a supporting member, an openable gate, said gate including a fixed section and section movable relatively 25 thereto, :51. toothed member for feeding the film through said gate and in relation to said supporting member, protective means operable for rendering the teeth of said feeding means alternatively inaccessible and accessible by the film, 30 operating means said protective means, means for moving said movable gate section, a prime mover, means for applying the power of said prime mover to said operating means and said gate moving means for operating both of the 35 same, and an actuating member for said power applying means placed adjacent a section of the film between said gate and said supporting member and so disposed in relation to the film that it does not increase said tension and operable by 40 the film upon an increase in tension thereof due to resistance to the movement thereof, whereby excess tension upon the film operates said protective means and said gate without having itself subjected the film to undue tension during the 45 normal feeding operation.

12. In a film handling apparatus having means for normally feeding a film and means for subjecting the film during such normal feeding operation to the tension required by such normal 60 feeding operation, in combination. with a supporting member, an openable gate, said gate including a fixed section and a section movable relatively thereto, means for feeding the film through said gate and in relation to said supporting mem- 55 ber, means for moving said movable gate section,

a prime mover, means for applying the power of said prime mover to said gate moving means for operating said gate moving means, and an 0.0- tuating member for said power applying means 60 placed adjacent a section of the film between said gate and said supporting member and so disposed in relation to the film that it does not increase said tension and operable by the film upon an increase in tensionthereof due to resistance to 5 the movement thereof, whereby excess tension upon the film operates said gate without having itself subjected the film to undue tension during the normal feeding operation.

13. In a film handling apparatus, a film sup- 70 porting member, an openable gate through which the film travels, said gate including a fixed sec tion and a section movable from a first position wherein said movablesecti'on is disposed in cooperative relation with said fixed section and presses the film thereagainst and a second posierable for opening said gate when the tension tion wherein said movable section is disposed relatively distantly to said fixed section so that the film can be initially threaded therebetween or removed therefrom, means for positively maintaining said movable section in said first position, control means for rendering said maintaining means ineffective and moving said movable sectionfrom saidfirst to said second position,

ing member and said gate and between said sections thereof, and operating means for said'control means, said operating means including a movable actuating member disposed adjacent the section of the film between said gate and said supporting member and operable by the film upon a change in the tension thereof as it is be ing fed by said feeding member, and connections between said actuating member and said control means for operating said control means upon the operation of said actuating member by the 14. In a film handling apparatus, a film supporting member, an openable'gate through which the film travels, said gate including a fixed section and a section movable from a first position wherein said movable section is disposed in cooperative relation with said fixed section and presses the film thereagainst and a second posi--' said sections thereof, and operating means for a said control means, said operating means includ ing a movable actuating member disposed adjacent the section of the film between said gate and said supporting member and operable by the film upon a change in the tension thereof as it is fed by said feeding member, and connections between said actuating member and said control means for operating said control means upon the operation of said actuating member by thefilm.

15. In a film handling apparatus, a film-supporting member, a gate, means for feeding a film between said film-supporting member and said gate, electrically operated means for opening said gate, a normally open circuit for controlling said operating means upon the 'closing thereof, and

means responsive to an increase in the tension of the film caused by resistance to movement thereof and operated by an excess of tension in said film for closing said circuit and operating said gate opening means. w

16. In a film handling apparatus, a plurality of supporting members, means for feeding a film therebetween, a sectional gate disposed between said members through which the film travels,

electrical control means for moving one of the sections of said gate relatively to another thereof, a normally open electrical circuit the closing oi which operates said electrical control means, and means responsive to changes in the tension of the film as it travels between said members for closing said circuit. I

17. In a film handling apparatus, an openable gate, said gate including a fixed section and a section movable relatively thereto, means for feeding a him through said gate, and means opmeans for feeding the film between said supportsaid gate from said member along an indirect of the film becomes excessive, said gate opening moved by an increase in the tension of the film 5 caused by resistance to the movement thereof, a source of power other 'than that created by film tension, control means operated by said source of power for moving said movable section away from said fixed section, and a connection between said actuating member and said control means effective to apply said source of power to move said movable section upon the movement of said actuating member.

18. In a; film handling apparatus, a support ing member and an openable gate so disposed upon said apparatus that a film extends therebetween in a curved work path, means for opening said gate, means for feeding the film between said supporting member and said gate through 20 such work path, a film-engaging member disposed within the curve of such work path and the chord thereof and movable upon an increase in the tension of the film resulting from resistance to the movement thereof for moving the film out of such curved work path, and an actuating connection between said film-engaging member and said gate opening means for operating said gate opening means upon such movement of said film engaging member whereby said gate is opened.

19. In a film handling apparatus, a supporting member and a sectional gate between which a film extends in a curved work path, means for feeding the film between said supporting memher and said gate, means for moving one of the sections of said gate relatively to another, control means for said moving means including a normally open electric circuit the closing of which operates said control means, and a movable filmengaging memberdisposed within the curve of such work path and effective for closing said clr'-- cuit upon the movement of said film-engaging member away from said work path following the movement of the film out of its work path in such curved line toward the chord thereof.

20. In a film handling apparatus having a filmsupporting member, an openable gate through which the film may be fed, said film passing to work path in the form of a bight, means for opening said gate, a control member engageable with the film in the bight between saidsupport= ing member and said gate and movable when. the film becomes taut, and operating mechanism operatively interconnecting said gate opening means and said control member for operating said gate opening means upon the movement of said control member when the film becomes taut.

21. In a film handling apparatus, the combination of spaced film supporting members between which a film may be disposed in the form of a blight, an openable'gate, means for feeding said film .throiligh said gate while it is substantially closed, means for maintaining said gate in closed position, means for opening said gate, a control member engageable with the film in said bight and movable when the film becomes taut, and operating mechanism operatively interconnecting said control member and said gate opening means for operating said gate openingmeans upon the movement of said control member when I the film becomes taut.

22. In a film handling apparatus, the combination of spaced film supporting members between F5 which, a film may be disposed in the form of a bight and an openable gate, means for moving said film through said gate while it is open, means for maintaining said gate in open position, means for closing said gate, a control member engageable with the film in said blght and movable when the film becomes taut, and operating mechanism operatively interconnecting said control member said movable section between a position wherein it is disposed adjacent said fixed section where-- in it presses the film thereagainst and a position relatively distant therefrom, an armature, connections between said moving means and said armature for operating said moving means upon the actuation of said armature, a coil for actuating said armature, a normally open circuit for said coil, and means responsive to changes in the tension of the film caused by resistance to the movement thereof for closing said circuit.

24. In a film handling apparatus, a film-supporting member, a toothed member for feeding a film in relation thereto, a presser member movable to andfrom operative relation'with said toothed member for pressing the film thereagainst, means for moving said presser member away from said feeding member, thereby releasing the film therefrom, and control means responsive to an increase of the tension of the film, caused by resistance to the movement thereof, as it is being fed by said feeding member, for operating said moving means.

25. In a film handling apparatus, a film-supporting member, a toothed member for feeding a film in relation thereto, a presser member movable to and from operative relation with said toothed member for pressing the film thereagainst, electric control means for moving said presser member away from said feeding member, a normally open electric circuit the closing of which operates said control means, thereby releasing the film therefrom, and means responsive to changes in the tension of the film as fed by said feeding means for controlling said circult.

26. In a film handling apparatus, a member for feeding a film, means operable for bringing the film into operative relation with said feeding member, means other tlmn said member for moving the film, and means responsive to changes in the tension of the film as moved by said other moving means for actuating said means for bringing the film into operative relation with said feeding member.

27. In a film handling apparatus, a member for feeding a film electric means for bringing the film into operative relation with said feeding member, a normally open electrical circuit the closing ofwhich operates said electric means, means other than said member for moving the film, and means responsive to the tension of the film as moved by said other moving means for closing said circuit and thereby operating said means for bringing the film into relation with said feeding member. I, I

28. In a film handling apparatus having means for normally feeding a film and means for subjecting the film during such normal feeding operation to the tension required by such normal feeding operation, in combination, a supporting member,-a toothed feeding member for feeding the film in relation to said supporting member, a member movable from and to a position wherein it presses the film against the teeth of said member for operative engagement thereby, operating means for moving said presser member from said position, said operating means including a prime mover and an actuating member therefor placed adjacent a section of the film between said toothed member and said supporting member and so disposed in relation to the'film that it does not increase said tension and operable by the film upon an increase in tension thereof due to resistance to the movement thereof for actuating said prime mover, whereby excess tension of the film operates said" presser means for withdrawing said means from pressing position without having itself subjected the film to undue tension during the normal feeding operation.

' 29. In a film handling apparatus having means for normally feeding a film and means forsubjecting the film during such normal feeding oper -ation to the tension required by such normal feeding operation, in combination, a supporting member, a toothed feeding member for feeding the film in relation to said supportingmember, means otherthan said feeding member for moving the film, a member movable from and ma position wherein it presses the film against the teeth of said feeding member for operative engagement thereby, operating means for moving said presser member to said position, said operating means including a prime mover and an actuating member therefor placed adjacent a section of the film between said toothed member and said supporting member and so disposed in relation to the film that it does not increase said tension and operable by the film upon an increase in tension thereof due to resistance to the movement thereof for actuating said prime mover, whereby excess tension of the film operates said presser means for moving said means to pressing position without having itself subjected the film to undue tension during the normal feeding operation.

30. In a. film handling apparatus, an openable gate through which a film may be fed in a normal projection operation, said gate comprising a fixed section and a section movable relatively thereto, a guiding member movable in respect to said gate sections and movable to a position adjacent one end of said gate for directing the film in respect thereto, control means interconnecting said guiding member and said movable gate section for moving said movable gate section away from said fixed gate section and for moving said guiding member into guiding relation with said gate for the purpose of expediting the threading of the film in respect thereto, in preparation for a subsequential normal projection operation, means for moving the filmbetween said movable gate section and said fixed gate section prior to such projection operation, and means responsive to the changes in the tension of the film for operating said control means whereby said movable gate section is moved away from said fixed gate section and said guiding member is moved into guiding position in preparation for such subsequent projection operation.

31. In a film liandlingapparatus, an.openable gate through 'which a film extends, said gate comprising a fixed section and a section movable relatively-thereto from a first position relatively distant to said fixed section wherein it guides the film in the initial positioning thereof in said apparatus to a second position wherein it is dis posed in cooperative and adjacent relation to said fixed section for establishing a portionof the channel through which the film is fed for projection purposes, a guiding member movable from a first position adjacent one end of said gate for directing the film in respect thereto during such initial positioning thereof to a second position wherein it is disposed relatively distantly from said gate, control means interconnecting said guiding member and said movable gate section for moving said guiding member and said movable gate section from said first to said second position for the purpose of expediting the regular projecting operation, means for feeding the film between said movable gate section and said fixed gate section while said movable section and said guiding member are disposed in said first position preparatory to the regular projection operation, electric means for operating said control means, a normally open electric circuit the closing of which operates said control means and means .responsive to changes in the tension of the film as fed by said feeding means for closing said circuit whereby said movable section and said guiding member are moved to said second position.

32. In a film handling apparatus, a gate, means for feeding a film therethrough, guiding members movable relatively to said gate and movable to positions adjacent each end of said gate wherein they form a guiding surface cooperating with that of said gate for directing the film in respect thereto, common operating means for moving said guiding members to said positions, and means responsive to changes in the tension of the film for actuating said operating means.

33. In a film handling apparatus, two film supporting members, a fixed apertured member disposed therebetween, a plurality of film guiding members each movable relatively to said apertured member and to each other between a first or threading position wherein they cooperate with each other and with said apertured member to define the path in which the film is threaded ,and a second or feeding position wherein they cooperate with said apertured member and each 34. In a film handling apparatus, two film sup- I porting members, a fixed apertured member disposed therebetween, a plurality of film guiding members each movable relatively to said apertured member and to each other between a first or threading position wherein they cooperate with each other and with said apertured member to define the path in which the film is threaded and a second or feeding position wherein they cooperate with said apertured member and each other to define the path through which the film is normally fed, control mechanism operatingly interconnecting all of said movable members for moving said members between said first and second positions, means for moving the film between said supporting members through said threading path prior to said normal feeding operation, a prime mover for operating said control mechanism, and means responsive to changes in the tension of the film as it is being moved by said moving means for applying the power of said prime mover to said control mechanism for operating said control mechanism whereby said movable members are moved from said first to said second position in preparation for the subsequent feeding operation.

35. In a film handling apparatus having spaced film supporting means and means for feeding a film between said supporting means, an openable 15 gate, disposed between said supporting means, through which the film is normally fed, said gate including a fixed section and a section movable relatively thereto, a guiding member movable relatively to said supporting means and both of said gate sections and disposed between said gate and one of said supporting means and having a film contacting and guiding surface and movable from and to a position wherein said guiding surface cooperates with one of said sections of said gate while said sections are in relatively remote relation to each other for forming a portion of one side of a path between said gate and said supporting member in which the film is threaded, means for moving the film through said path prior to the normal feeding operation, control means for moving said film engaging member, and means controlled by changes in tension of the film caused by resistance to operative movement thereof as it is being moved by said moving means for actuating said control means.

36. In a film handling apparatus having spaced film supporting means and means for feeding a film between said supporting means, an open-,

able gate, disposed between said supporting means, through which the film is normally fed, said gate including a fixed section and a section movable relatively thereto, a guiding member movable relatively to said supporting means and both of said-gate sections and disposed between said gate and one of said supporting means and having a film contacting and guiding surface and movable from and to a position wherein said guiding surface cooperates with one of said sections of said gate while said sections are in relatively remote relation to each other for forming a portion of one side of a path between said gate and said supporting member'in which the film is threaded, means for moving the film through said path prior to the normal feeding operation,

a prime mover for moving said film engaging member, and means responsive to changes in the a tension of the film as it is being moved by said moving means for actuating said prime mover.

3'7. Ina fihn handlingapparatus having spaced a section movable relatively thereto, a guiding member movable relatively to said supporting means and both of said gate sections and disposed between said gate andone of said supporting fed ,said gate including a fixed section and means and having a'film contacting and guiding surface and movable from and to a position wherein said guiding surface cooperates with one of said sections of said gate while said sections are in relatively remote relation to each other for forming a. portion of one side of a path be- 76 film through said path prior to the normal ieeding operation, an armature, a connection between said armature and said member for moving said member upon the operation of said armature, a coil for operating said armature, a normally open circuit which when closed operates said coil, and means responsive to changes in the tension of the film as it is moved by said moving means for closing said circuit.

88. In a film handling apparatus, a gate comprising afixed section and a section movable in respect thereto, a guiding member movable to and from a position adjacent one end of one of said members for guiding a film in respect to said gate, a guiding member movable to and from a similar position adjacent the other end of said gate, operating mechanism interconnecting said guiding members and said movable section of said gate for moving said movable section away from said fixed section and moving said guiding members into cooperative and adjacent position relative to said gate and alternatively moving said movable section into cooperative relation with said fixed section and said guiding means away from adjacent relation to said gate, means iorieeding a film through said gate, and means responsive to changes in the tension oi. the film as so fed Ior operating said control means.

39. In a film handling apparatus, an openable gate, said gate including a fixed section and a movable section, said movable section being movable to a first position distant to said fixed section and a second position adjacent said fixed section, a first electric prime mover for moving said movable section to said first position away from said fixed section, a second electric prime mover for moving said movable gate section to said second position adjacent said fixed gate section, and means controlled by changes in the tension of the film for alternatively actuating said prime movers.

40. In a film handling apparatus, a member for feeding a film through said apparatus, means for rendering said feeding means inaccessible by said film, and means actuated by an increase in the tension oi the film caused by resistance to the operative movement thereof for operating said first named means.

WARREN DUNHAM FOSTER. EARLE L. PARMELEE. 

